Well abandonment system

ABSTRACT

A well abandonment system includes a jet cutter assembly. The jet cutter assembly includes a first sub including a first bulkhead and a jet cutter tool. The jet cutter tool includes a radial shaped charge and a detonator to detonate the radial shaped charge. A first end of the jet cutter tool is connected to the first sub and a second end of the jet cutter tool is connected to the second sub. The jet cutter assembly may include bulkheads that facilitate electrical communication along a length of the jet cutter assembly. A shock absorber is connected to the jet cutter tool in order to mitigate or prevent shock from impacting the jet cutter upon activation of a perforating gun or components of a tool string that is connected to the jet cutter. The shock absorber may include at least one of a sleeve, biasing member, or wireline.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/128,810 filed Dec. 21, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

When a hydrocarbon well is abandoned, the operating company may try to retrieve as much downhole tubing and equipment as possible before the well is permanently closed and sealed. The removal of the tubing may involve three distinct steps. First, a tool string with a plug may be lowered down the wellbore via wireline past the point where the tubing is to be cut. The plug is set and then the wireline is retrieved. Second, a tool string including a perforating gun may be lowered down the wellbore via a wireline proximate to the plug. The perforating gun may be activated to create holes in the tubing to establish circulation. The wellbore may then be circulated clean. Lastly, a tool string including a tubing cutter such as a jet cutter may be lowered down the wellbore via a wireline to the point where the tubing is to be cut. The tubing cutter may include a shaped charge that creates a jet in a full 360 degrees around the circumference of the tubing, allowing the tubing to be removed.

Repeatedly lowering a tool string via wireline is an expensive and time-consuming process. However, conventional tubing cutters and plug tools are both devices that typically need to be run at the very bottom of a tool string and therefore cannot be combined on a single tool string. Additionally, shock from activation of the plug tool and/or the perforating gun may damage a tubing cutter provided on a same tool string. Additionally, present selective initiation technology does not allow for a plug, perforating gun, and tubing cutter to be provided on a single tool string.

Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide a well abandonment tool string in which the plug, the perforating gun, and the cutter may all be provided on a same tool string to minimize the time and expense of lowering a tool string during the well abandonment process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

According to an aspect, the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure include a well abandonment system. The well abandonment system includes a first wireline, a cutting tool operably coupled to the first wireline, a perforating gun operably connected to the cutting tool on a downhole side of the cutting tool, and a plug tool operably connected to the perforating gun on a downhole side of the perforating gun. According to an aspect, the perforating gun is operably connected to the wireline through the cutting tool, and the plug tool is operably connected to the wireline through the perforating gun and the cutting tool.

In another aspect, the exemplary embodiments include a method of abandoning a wellbore having a tubular wellbore casing. The method includes providing a well abandonment system that includes a first wireline, a cutting tool operably coupled to the first wireline, a perforating gun operably connected to the cutting tool on a downhole side of the cutting tool and a plug tool operably connected to the perforating gun on a downhole side of the perforating gun. According to an aspect, the perforating gun is operably connected to the wireline through the cutting tool, and the plug tool is operably connected to the wireline through the perforating gun and the cutting tool. The method may further include lowering the well abandonment system into the wellbore, activating the plug tool to set a plug in place, and activating the perforating gun to create circulation holes. The method may further include circulating the well clean via the circulation holes and activating the cutter tool to cut the tubular wellbore casing.

In a further aspect, the exemplary embodiments include a jet cutter assembly for a well abandonment system. The jet cutter assembly includes a first sub comprising a first bulkhead providing electrical connectivity through the first sub, and a jet cutter tool provided downstream of the first sub. According to an aspect, the jet cutter tool includes a radial shaped charge, and a detonator configured to detonate the radial shaped charge. The detonator is in electrical communication with the first bulkhead. According to an aspect, the jet cutter assembly further includes a second bulkhead in electrical communication with the detonator. A second sub is provided downstream of the jet cutter tool and includes a third bulkhead providing electrical connectivity through the second sub. According to an aspect, the third bulkhead is in electrical communication with the second bulkhead. A spring may be provided between the jet cutter tool and the second sub. According to an aspect, a sleeve surrounds the jet cutter tool in a radial direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

A more particular description will be rendered by reference to exemplary embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Understanding that these drawings depict exemplary embodiments and do not limit the scope of this disclosure, the exemplary embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial, cut-away view of a well abandonment system according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a portion of a well abandonment system according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a well abandonment system according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a portion of a well abandonment system according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a jet cutter tool according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a jet cutter tool according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a jet cutter tool according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a jet cutter tool according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a jet cutter tool according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a well abandonment method according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a jet cutter assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

Various features, aspects, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components throughout the figures and detailed description. The various described features are not necessarily drawn to scale in the drawings but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to some embodiments.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure or the claims. To facilitate understanding, reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments. Each example is provided by way of explanation and is not meant as a limitation and does not constitute a definition of all possible embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows a well abandonment system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The well abandonment system 100 may include a wireline 128, a cutting tool 102 such as a jet cutter operably connected to the wireline 128, a perforating gun 104, and a plug tool 106.

The cutting tool 102 may include an uphole side of cutting tool 110 and a downhole side of cutting tool 108. The perforating gun 104 may include an uphole side of perforating gun 112 and a downhole side of perforating gun 114. According to an aspect, the uphole side of perforating gun 112 is operably connected to the downhole side of cutting tool 108.

The plug tool 106 may be operably connected to the perforating gun 104 on the downhole side of perforating gun 114. The well abandonment system 100 may further include a through wire 138 and/or wireless electrical contacts such that electrical conductivity is provided from the wireline 128, through the cutting tool 102, through the perforating gun 104, and to the plug tool 106. Additionally, selective initiation circuits may be employed such that the cutting tool 102, the perforating gun 104, and the plug tool 106 may each be independently and selectively activated based on a signal transmitted down the wireline 128. For example, the plug tool 106 may include an igniter 116 that may be separately and independently activated from a detonator housed in the perforating gun 104.

In FIG. 1, the plug tool 106 is represented as a self-setting bridge plug. However, it will also be understood that a separate setting tool/bridge plug configuration may be used in place of the self-setting bridge plug illustrated in FIG. 1.

As seen in FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment of a cutting tool 102 may include a detonator 208 and a radial shaped charge 130. The radial shaped charge 130 may be shaped so as to create a jet in a 360-degree arc around an axis of the radial shaped charge 130 when detonated. For example, the radial shaped charge 130 may include a contiguous full-circle distribution of explosive, that creates a substantially radial full-circle cutting jet that cuts a pipe or wellbore casing that is provided in a wellbore.

The radial shaped charge 130 includes an explosive load 212 extending around/along a central axis of a body 214 (such as, a metal housing/metal body) of the radial shaped charge 130. The explosive load 212 may include pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX), octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine/cyclotetramethylene-tetranitramine (HMX), hexanitrostibane (HNS), diamino-3,5-dinitropyrazine-1-oxide (LLM-105), pycrlaminodinitropyridin (PYX), and triaminotrinitrobenzol (TATB). The explosive load 212 may include any standard explosive material that is used in shaped charges (such as conical or slotted shaped charges), as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. According to an aspect, the explosive load 212 is retained or otherwise secured within the body 214 of the radial shaped charge 130 by a circumferential liner 210. According to an aspect, the circumferential liner 210 of the radial shaped charge 130 includes various powdered metal components. The circumferential liner 210 may extend around the explosive load 212 of the radial shaped charge 130. The radial shaped charge 130 may be directly initiated by the detonator 208. Upon initiation, the radial shaped charge 130 produces a radial explosive force that initiates the explosive load 212 of the radial shaped charge 130 and expels the circumferential liner 210 so that a radial cutting jet cuts the pipe or wellbore casing.

The detonator 208 may include an electrically conductive detonator shell 302 (FIG. 3, for example), which allows an electrical signal to be transmitted through the cutting tool 102.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a perforating gun 104. The perforating gun 104 may include a plurality of shaped charges 120 oriented at various angles around an axis of the perforating gun 104. The shaped charges 120 may be slot-shaped/slotted shaped charges. As would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, slotted shaped charges produce rectangular and/or linear perforations (“slots”) in a wellbore casing. The linear perforations may overlap each other in a helical pattern, and thereby perforate a cylindrical target (i.e., the wellbore casing) around all 360° of the target. Such a pattern may be useful during abandonment of a well, where concrete is pumped into the well and must reach and seal substantially all areas of the wellbore.

FIG. 1 further shows that the perforating gun 104 may include an initiator holder 122 configured to hold an initiator such as the detonator 208. The detonator 208 may activate a detonating cord 136, which in turn detonates the shaped charges 120 secured in the perforating gun 104. The perforating gun 104 my further include a through wire 138 that provides electrical conductivity between the detonator 208 and a downhole side of perforating gun 114. While the perforating gun 104 is illustrated as including a carrier 140 configured as a cylindrical/tubular body, it is contemplated that the carrier 140 may be configured with any other shape that receives, secures and arranges shaped charges 120 in the perforating gun 104. The carrier 140 may be formed from a metal. It is contemplated that the carrier 140 may be formed from a plastic material. According to an aspect, the carrier 140 may be formed from a material that allows the carrier to be disposable. One or more components of the perforating gun 104 may be disposable such that the remains of the perforating gun 104 may be left in the well following activation of the cutting tool 102.

FIG. 1 further shows an exemplary embodiment of a plug tool 106. The plug tool 106 may be configured as a self-setting plug that does not require a setting tool. Alternatively, the plug tool 106 may be a micro set plug. Alternatively, the plug tool 106 may be an eliminator bridge plug.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the plug tool 106 may be a ballistically actuated plug. The ballistically actuated plug includes an outer carrier having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and a hollow interior chamber within the outer carrier and defined by the outer carrier. The hollow interior chamber may extend from the first end to the second end of the outer carrier. An initiator, such as the detonator 208, is positioned within the hollow interior chamber and one or more ballistic components are also housed within the hollow interior chamber. The initiator and the one or more ballistic components are relatively positioned for the initiator to initiate the one or more ballistic components, and the one or more ballistic components include an explosive charge for expanding the outer carrier from an unexpanded form to an expanded form upon initiation of the one or more ballistic components. An exemplary embodiment of a ballistic instantaneous setting plug is described in International Application No. PCT/EP2020/070291 filed Jul. 17, 2020, published as WO 2021/013731 on Jan. 28, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. Other suitable types of plugs may be used as appropriate. The plug tool 106 may be disposable such that the remains of the plug tool 106 may be left in the wellbore following activating of the cutting tool 102.

FIG. 1 further shows an exemplary embodiment of how the various components may be connected together in a well abandonment system 100. For example, a shock absorber 124 (which may include a spring or other shock absorbing mechanism) may be provided between the cutting tool 102 and the perforating gun 104. The shock absorber 124 may be designed to absorb, attenuate, or otherwise dissipate shock from activation of the plug tool 106 or the perforating gun 104 from reaching the cutting tool 102. Shock to the cutting tool 102 could damage or displace the radial shaped charge 130, thereby preventing a clean cut of the wellbore casing. The shock absorber 124 may be configured as a tubular structure with a biasing member housed therein. It is contemplated that the biasing member may be a part of a bulkhead 134 housed in a modified top sub 202 (FIG. 2), a combination of a first cable head 404, wireline cable 406 and a second cable head 408 (FIG. 4), or a spring 1136 (FIG. 11). While FIG. 1 illustrates that the shock absorber 124 may be connected to a sub 132, it is contemplated that the shock absorber 124 may be directly connected to the perforating gun 104.

Communication along the length of the well abandonment system 100 may be facilitated by electrical connectors. For example, the shock absorber 124 may further include an electrical connector 126 (FIG. 1) or bulkhead 134 (FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) configured to provide electrical conductivity between the cutting tool 102 and the perforating gun 104. Additionally, an electrical connector configured as a bulkhead 118 (FIG. 1) may be provided between the perforating gun 104 and the plug tool 106 to provide electrical conductivity between the perforating gun and the plug tool 106.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show an exemplary embodiment of a cutting tool 102 of a well abandonment system 200 and a modified top sub 202 configured to be connected to a downhole side of cutting tool 108. The modified top sub 202 includes a first connector end 216 and a second connector end 218. An opening 220 extends between the first connector end 216 and the second connector end 218. A bulkhead 134 is positioned in the opening 220. The bulkhead 134 includes a first contact pin 204 and a second contact pin 206. The first contact pin 204 and the second contact pin 206 may help to facilitate electrical conductivity through the modified top sub 202. According to an aspect, the first contact pin 204 and the second contact pin 206 may help allow an electrical signal to be passed down from the electrical connector 126 to a detonator positioned in an initiator holder 122.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a portion of the well abandonment system 200. As illustrated, the cutting tool 102 includes a detonator 208. The detonator 208 may include a selective electronic ignition circuit that will activate the cutting tool 102 only in response to a certain predetermined signal. The detonator 208 may include a detonator head 304 and a detonator shell 302. The detonator head 304 may include a line-in portion, a ground portion, and an insulator extending at least partially between the line-in portion and the ground portion. The ground portion is located at an underside of the detonator head 304, while the line-in portion is located at an upper side of the detonator head 304. The detonator shell 302 may be adjacent the ground portion. The detonator shell may include a metal and may be configured with a line-out portion that facilitates transfer of an electrical signal to the bulkhead 134. The detonator shell 302 may be accessible from a downhole side of cutting tool 108. According to an aspect, the detonator shell 302 is electrically conductive. As seen, for instance, in FIG. 3, the first contact pin 204 may be in contact with the detonator shell 302.

The detonator shell 302 includes an open end and a closed end opposite and spaced apart from the open end. According to an aspect, the detonator shell 302 houses an explosive 1130 adjacent the closed end. A non-mass explosive (NME) body (not shown) may be positioned adjacent the explosive 1130, and an electronic circuit board (ECB) may be disposed between the NME body and the open end of the detonator shell 302. The ECB may be configured with contact points that facilitates the upper portion of the detonator head 304 including the line-in portion and the detonator shell 302 including the line-out portion. The ECB is configured for receiving an ignition signal, which results in the activation/initiation of the explosive 1130.

The NME body may be configured to house a primary explosive including at least one of lead azide, silver azide, lead styphnate, tetracene, nitrocellulose and BAX. According to an aspect, the NME body separates the explosive 1130 from the ECB. The NME body may be formed of an electrically conductive, electrically dissipative, or electrostatic discharge (ESD) safe synthetic material. According to an aspect, the NME body includes a metal, such as cast-iron, zinc, machinable steel or aluminum. The NME body may be formed using any conventional CNC machining or metal casting processes. Alternatively, the NME body is formed from an injection-molded plastic material.

FIG. 3 shows an assembled view of the well abandonment system 200 of FIG. 2. The cutting tool 102 includes a first cutter housing 222 and a second cutter housing 224. The first cutter housing 222 includes the detonator 208 and the second cutter housing 224 includes the radial shaped charge 130. The first and second cutter housings are threadingly connected to each other so that the detonator 208 is in ballistic communication with the radial shaped charge 130.

The shock absorber 124 may include a first end 306 and a second end 308. According to an aspect, the second cutter housing 224 is connected to the first end 306 of the shock absorber 124, while the modified top sub 202 is connected to the second end 308 of the shock absorber 124. The modified top sub 202 includes the bulkhead 134, which is equipped with shock absorbing elements (e.g., springs or biasing members) to prevent or reduce shock to the cutting tool 102 from activation of the plug tool 106 or perforating gun 104.

FIG. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a well abandonment system 400. The well abandonment system 400 includes a cutting tool 102 connected to a first cable head 404. The first cable head 404 includes a contact pin 402 in communication with the detonator 208. The first cable head 404 is connected to a first wireline end 414 of a wireline cable 406, while a second wireline end 416 of the wireline cable 406 is connected to a second cable head 408. The second cable head 408 may include a contact pin 410 configured to communicate with a contact pin of a bulkhead 134 when the second cable head 408 is attached, via a connector 412, to a modified top sub 202 (shown in FIG. 2 and described hereinabove). The first connector end 216 of the modified top sub 202 may be threadingly connected to a downhole end portion of the connector 412. The second connector end 218 of the modified top sub 202 is in turn connected to the perforating gun 104, which is connected to the plug tool 106 (not shown). The wireline cable 406 shown in FIG. 4 allows for a space to be provided between the cutting tool 102 and the perforating gun 104 or plug tool 106 in order to help prevent or reduce shock to the cutting tool 102, which may be generated upon activation of the plug tool 106 or the perforating gun 104.

FIGS. 5-9 show non-limiting examples of cutting tool structures that may be used in conjunction with the well abandonment systems described above. For example, a coil tubing jet cutter 502 (FIG. 5), a tubing jet cutter 602 (FIG. 6), a drill pipe jet cutter 702 (FIG. 7), a packer mandrel jet cutter 802 (FIG. 8) or a casing jet cutter 902 (FIG. 9) may be included in a well abandonment system 100, well abandonment system 200, or a well abandonment system 400.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a coil tubing jet cutter 502. The coil tubing jet cutter 502 may be configured to cut wellbore casings with various outer diameters. For example, the coil tubing jet cutter 502 may be configured to cut wellbore casings with outer diameters ranging from about 4½ inches to about 7⅝ inches. According to an aspect, the coil tubing jet cutter 502 cuts wellbore casings with an outer diameter of about 5 inches, about 5½ inches, about 6 inches, about 6⅝ inches and about 7⅝ inches.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a tubing jet cutter 602. The tubing jet cutter 602 is configured for use with the well abandonment system 100.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a drill pipe jet cutter 702. The drill pipe jet cutter 702 is configured for use with the well abandonment system 100.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a packer mandrel jet cutter 802. The packer mandrel jet cutter 802 is configured for use with the well abandonment system 100.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a casing jet cutter 902. The casing jet cutter 902 is configured for use with the well abandonment system 100.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary embodiment of a method 1000 for abandoning a well/wellbore. In block 1002, a well abandonment system (WAS) is provided. The well abandonment system may be any of the embodiments described herein with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 9, and FIG. 11. In block 1004, the well abandonment system may be lowered down the well to a first position. The first position in the well may be a position at which the plug tool may be set in the wellbore. In block 1006, the plug tool is activated. Activation of the plug tool may include, for example, activation of the igniter positioned in the plug tool. One potential problem that may occur when activating the plug tool and the perforating gun is that the shock impulse of these two events may cause damage to the cutting tool. One possible solution to this potential problem is to separate the jet cutter tool mechanically from the shock impact via a wireline cable as shown in FIG. 4.

In block 1008, the well abandonment system may be moved to a second position. The second position may be selected, at least in part, based on the desired perforating location. However, it will be noted that in at least an exemplary embodiment, the well abandonment system may be configured such that no movement of the well abandonment system is necessary after activation of the plug tool.

At block 1010, the perforating gun may be activated, thereby creating perforation or circulation holes in the wellbore casing/wellbore tubing. The perforation holes may be slot-shaped perforations. At block 1012, the wellbore may be circulated until the wellbore is clean, i.e., free of hydrocarbons. Circulation of the wellbore may include, for example, injecting or pumping drilling fluid in the wellbore to fracture the underground formation. During the injecting process, the slot-shaped perforations are eroded by the fluid, which leads to larger perforation holes. Since erosion takes place where fluid flow is the highest, and the slot-shaped perforations are elongated openings, the slot-shaped perforations formed by this method are flow optimized and ideal for fracturing applications. Drilling fluid may help to control the formation pressure and remove cuttings from the wellbore. According to an aspect, drilling fluid may help to seal permeable formations that may be encountered while drilling. The drilling fluid may also help to maintain wellbore stability and well control.

At block 1014, the well abandonment system may be moved to a third position. However, it will be noted that in at least an exemplary embodiment, the well abandonment system may be configured such that no movement is necessary after activation of the perforating gun. In block 1016, the cutting tool may be activated so that the wellbore casing is severed. In block 1018, any components of the well abandonment system may be retrieved from the wellbore—such retrieval may be done using a wireline. In block 1020, the wellbore tubing cut by the cutting tool is retrieved from the wellbore.

FIG. 11 shows an additional and/or alternative exemplary embodiment of a jet cutter assembly 1102 that includes an integrated mechanism for mitigating the impact of shock that may be generated from activation of a plug tool or a perforating gun connected to the jet cutter assembly 1102.

The jet cutter assembly 1102 includes a top 1104 and a bottom 1106. The top 1104 of the jet cutter assembly 1102 may include a first sub 1108, while the bottom 1106 of the jet cutter assembly 1102 may include a second sub 1138. According to an aspect, the first sub 1108 is configured as a converter 1110 or an adapter that is able to connect to a wireline (not shown). The first sub 1108 may be coupled and/or attached to a casing collar locator (CCL)/cable head. The first sub 1108 may include a first bulkhead 1112 configured to provide electrical connectivity through a length of the first sub 1108. The first bulkhead 1112 includes a first electrical connector 1150 and a second electrical connector 1114. The first electrical connector 1150 may be configured to receive information from a wireline, CCL or cable head. According to an aspect, the second electrical connector 1114 may be configured to facilitate communication with other electrical components in the jet cutter assembly 1102.

A cutting tool 102 may be positioned in a cutting tool sub 1158. The cutting tool sub 1158 is positioned between the first sub 1108 and the second sub 1138. According to an aspect, the cutting tool 102 is provided downstream of the first sub 1108. The cutting tool 102 may include a radial shaped charge 130, and a detonator 1120 configured to detonate the radial shaped charge 130. The detonator 1120 may be positioned in a detonator sub 1156 that is connected to the first sub 1108 and a cutting tool sub 1158. The detonator 1120 may include a detonator head 1118, and a detonator shell 1128 formed of a conductive material and extending from the detonator head 1118. According to an aspect, a signal-in connector 1116 is provided on the detonator head 304. The signal-in connector 1116 may be in electrical communication with the second electrical connector 1114 of the first bulkhead 1112 via direct physical contact. Electronic circuitry (not shown) may be provided within the detonator head 1118 for controlling initiation of an explosive 1130 provided within the detonator shell 1128. According to an aspect, the electronic circuitry may be configured to output a through signal to the detonator shell 1128.

An insulating sleeve 1144 may at least partially enclose the detonator 1120. According to an aspect, the insulating sleeve 1144 is configured to prevent the detonator shell 1128 from being touching the surface of the detonator sub 1156 or from otherwise being in contact with the material forming the detonator sub 1156. According to an aspect, the insulating sleeve 1144 is disposed within the detonator sub 1156 and dimensionally extends around the detonator shell 1128. The insulating sleeve 1144 may include a non-conductive material. According to an aspect, the insulating sleeve 1144 is composed of at least one of an electrically non-conductive injection molded plastic, a machined non-conductive material and surface anodized aluminum.

An insulator 1126 may be disposed around at least a portion of the detonator shell 1128. The insulator 1126 may be adjacent the cutting tool 102 and the detonator sub 1156. According to an aspect, the insulator 1126 is made from a non-conductive material, which may include the same materials used to make the insulating sleeve 1144. The insulator 1126 may help to further insulate the detonator shell 1128 from contacting any metals used to form the detonator sub 1156, the cutting tool sub 1158 or the cutting tool 102.

According to an aspect, the detonator shell 1128 may be in electrical communication with an electrical connector of the second bulkhead 1134 via direct physical contact so as to pass an electrical signal through to a lower tool string, which may include a perforating gun (not shown). The explosive 1130 housed within the detonator shell 1128 may be arranged so that it is in proximity to the radial shaped charge 130. Thus, when the electronic circuitry initiates the explosive 1130, the explosive 1130 in turn detonates the radial shaped charge 130. The radial shaped charge 130 thereafter generates a radial cutting jet cuts the pipe or wellbore casing.

According to an aspect, a second bulkhead 1134 is positioned in the cutting tool 102. The second bulkhead 1134 includes a first electrical connector 1132 in contact with the detonator shell 1128 and a second electrical connector 1148 in electrical communication with a third bulkhead 1140. The third bulkhead 1140 includes a first electrical connector 1146 in communication with the second electrical connector 1148 of the second bulkhead 1134, and a second electrical connector 1152 in communication with the first electrical connector 1146.

Exemplary embodiments of the first bulkhead 1112, the second bulkhead 1134, and the third bulkhead 1140 are described in U.S. Publication No. US2020/217,635, which is commonly owned and assigned to DynaEnergetics Europe GmbH, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The electrical connectors of the first bulkhead 1112, the second bulkhead 1134, and the third bulkhead 1140 may be spring-loaded, which may help dampen the shock to the jet cutter assembly 1102, which may be caused by a lower tool string that is coupled to the second sub 1138 and includes a plug tool, a setting tool and/or a perforating gun.

For example, the first bulkhead 1112, the second bulkhead 1134, and the third bulkhead 1140 may be configured as an electrical connector. The electrical connector may include a connector body that extends along a longitudinal axis of the connector body. The connector body may be formed from thermoplastic materials or otherwise electrically non-conductive materials. Alternatively, the connector body may be made of other materials, such as a metal (e.g., aluminum with a non-conductive coating). O-rings may be provided on an outer surface of the connector body. While FIG. 11 shows two o-rings or four o-rings, it will be understood that the number of o-rings may be varied to suit the desired application, such as a single o-ring, three o-rings, or more than four o-rings. The o-rings are an exemplary embodiment of a sealing member that may be used to help create a pressure barrier in order for the electrical connector to serve as a pressure-isolating bulkhead in an exemplary embodiment.

The electrical connector may include a first electrical contact (for example, a first contact pin 204) provided at a first end of the connector body in the longitudinal direction. The first electrical contact may be biased so as to rest at a first rest position if no external force is being applied to the first electrical contact and may be structured so as to move from the first rest position to a first retracted position in response to an application of external force against the first electrical contact. In other words, the first electrical contact may be spring-loaded. The first electrical contact may have a first electrical contact diameter and may be dimensioned so that at least a portion of the first electrical contact is positioned in the connector body. While FIG. 11 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the first electrical contacts of the first bulkhead 1112, the second bulkhead 1134 and the third bulkhead 1140 being formed as a contact pin, it will be understood that other forms and shapes may be used for the first electrical contacts as may be required for specific applications, including, but not limited to, female electrical contacts and plate contacts.

According to an aspect, the electrical connector may include a second electrical contact (for example, a second contact pin 206) provided at a second end of the connector body. The second electrical contact may be biased so as to rest at a second rest position if no external force is being applied to the second electrical contact and may be structured so as to move from the second rest position to a second retracted position in response to an application of external force against the second electrical contact. In other words, the second electrical contact may be spring-loaded. The second electrical contact may have a second electrical contact diameter and may be dimensioned so that at least a portion of the second electrical contact is positioned in the connector body. While FIG. 11 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the second electrical contacts of the first bulkhead 1112, the second bulkhead 1134 and the third bulkhead 1140 is formed as a contact pin, it will be understood that other forms and shapes may be used for the second electrical contacts as may be required for specific applications, including, but not limited to, female electrical contacts and plate contacts.

A spring 1136 is provided between the cutting tool 102 and the second sub 1138. The spring 1136 may be formed of a conductive material and may abut with an outer body of the cutting tool 102 and an outer body of the second sub 1138. Thus, the spring 1136 may be configured to provide a ground contact between the cutting tool 102 and the lower tool string. The spring 1136 may further help to dampen the shock to the cutting tool 102 caused by the lower tool string including a plug tool 106 and a perforating gun 104.

A sleeve 1122 surrounds the cutting tool 102 in a radial direction. The sleeve 1122 may be formed of a metal or a composite metal material. According to an aspect, the sleeve 1122 abuts with and/or couples with the first sub 1108 and the second sub 1138 while surrounding the cutting tool 102 in the radial direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the sleeve 1122 does not conduct an electrical signal to a bottom tool string assembly (i.e., a tool string assembly connected to the second sub 1138). Additionally, there may be a gap 1124 provided between an inner surface of the sleeve 1122 and an outer surface of the cutting tool 102. In this way, the sleeve 1122 may help to dampen shock to the cutting tool 102 and help to prevent shock from being applied directly to the cutting tool 102.

The second sub 1138 may be provided downstream of the first sub 1108 and the spring 1136. The second sub 1138 may function as a cross-over sub 1142 that helps to connect the jet cutter assembly 1102 to a tool string or perforating gun assembly. The second sub 1138 may include a third bulkhead 1140 configured to provide electrical connectivity through the second sub 1138. The third bulkhead 1140 may be in electrical communication with the second bulkhead 1134. It is contemplated that a perforating gun may be provided downstream of the second sub 1138 and the second electrical connector 1152 of the third bulkhead 1140 may be in electrical communication with a detonator of the perforating gun. A retainer 1154 may be threadingly connected to the second sub 1138 and may be configured to help retain the third bulkhead 1140 within the second subs 1138.

This disclosure, in various embodiments, configurations and aspects, includes components, methods, processes, systems, and/or apparatuses as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. This disclosure contemplates, in various embodiments, configurations and aspects, the actual or optional use or inclusion of, e.g., components or processes as may be well-known or understood in the art and consistent with this disclosure though not depicted and/or described herein.

The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

In this specification and the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that have the following meanings. The terms “a” (or “an”) and “the” refer to one or more of that entity, thereby including plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “an embodiment” and the like are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as “about” is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Terms such as “first,” “second,” “upper,” “lower” etc. are used to identify one element from another, and unless otherwise specified are not meant to refer to a particular order or number of elements.

As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “may be” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur—this distinction is captured by the terms “may” and “may be.”

As used in the claims, the word “comprises” and its grammatical variants logically also subtend and include phrases of varying and differing extent such as for example, but not limited thereto, “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of.” Where necessary, ranges have been supplied, and those ranges are inclusive of all sub-ranges therebetween. It is to be expected that the appended claims should cover variations in the ranges except where this disclosure makes clear the use of a particular range in certain embodiments.

The terms “determine”, “calculate” and “compute,” and variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation or technique.

This disclosure is presented for purposes of illustration and description. This disclosure is not limited to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the Detailed Description of this disclosure, for example, various features of some exemplary embodiments are grouped together to representatively describe those and other contemplated embodiments, configurations, and aspects, to the extent that including in this disclosure a description of every potential embodiment, variant, and combination of features is not feasible. Thus, the features of the disclosed embodiments, configurations, and aspects may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, and aspects not expressly discussed above. For example, the features recited in the following claims lie in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this disclosure.

Advances in science and technology may provide variations that are not necessarily express in the terminology of this disclosure although the claims would not necessarily exclude these variations. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A well abandonment system comprising: a first wireline; a cutting tool operably coupled to the first wireline; a perforating gun operably connected to the cutting tool on a downhole side of the cutting tool; and a plug tool operably connected to the perforating gun on a downhole side of the perforating gun, wherein the perforating gun is operably connected to the wireline through the cutting tool, and the plug tool is operably connected to the wireline through the perforating gun and the cutting tool.
 2. The well abandonment system of claim 1, further comprising a shock absorber provided between the cutting tool and the perforating gun.
 3. The well abandonment system of claim 2, wherein the shock absorber comprises a spring provided between the cutting tool and a cross-over sub provided on a downhole side of the cutting tool.
 4. The well abandonment system of claim 2, wherein the cutting tool is provided in a sleeve, and a gap is provided between the cutting tool and an inner surface of the sleeve in a radial direction.
 5. The well abandonment system of claim 1, further comprising a second wireline operably connected between the cutting tool and the perforating gun.
 6. The well abandonment system of claim 1, wherein the cutting tool further comprises a wireless detonator, the wireless detonator comprises an electrically conductive detonator shell accessible from the downhole side of the cutting tool.
 7. The well abandonment system of claim 1, wherein the perforating gun further comprises: a through wire configured to provide an electrical connection between an uphole side of the perforating gun and the downhole side of the perforating gun.
 8. A method of abandoning a wellbore having a tubular wellbore casing, the method comprising: providing a well abandonment system comprising: a first wireline; a cutting tool operably coupled to the first wireline; a perforating gun operably connected to the cutting tool on a downhole side of the cutting tool; and a plug tool operably connected to the perforating gun on a downhole side of the perforating gun, wherein the perforating gun is operably connected to the wireline through the cutting tool, and the plug tool is operably connected to the wireline through the perforating gun and the cutting tool; lowering the well abandonment system into the wellbore; activating the plug tool to set a plug in place; activating the perforating gun to create circulation holes; circulating the well clean via the circulation holes; and activating the cutter tool to cut the tubular wellbore casing.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the well abandonment system further comprises a shock absorber provided between the cutting tool and the perforating gun, the shock absorber comprising at least one of a spring, and a second wireline.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the well abandonment system further comprises: a second wireline operably connected between the cutting tool and the perforating gun.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the cutting tool further comprises a wireless detonator, and wherein the wireless detonator comprises an electrically conductive shell accessible from the downhole side of the cutting tool.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein the perforating gun further comprises a through wire providing an electrical connection between an uphole side of the perforating gun and the downhole side of the perforating gun.
 13. The method of claim 8, further comprising repositioning the well abandonment system after activation of the plug.
 14. The method of claim 8, further comprising repositioning the well abandonment system after activation of the perforating gun.
 15. The method of claim 8, further comprising retrieving the first wireline after activation of the cutting tool.
 16. A jet cutter assembly for a well abandonment system, comprising: a first sub comprising a first bulkhead providing electrical connectivity through the first sub; a jet cutter tool provided downstream of the first sub, the jet cutter tool comprising: a radial shaped charge; a detonator configured to detonate the radial shaped charge, the detonator being in electrical communication with the first bulkhead; and a second bulkhead in electrical communication with the detonator; a second sub provided downstream of the jet cutter tool, the second sub comprising a third bulkhead providing electrical connectivity through the second sub, the third bulkhead being in electrical communication with the second bulkhead; a spring provided between the jet cutter tool and the second sub; and a sleeve surrounding the jet cutter tool in a radial direction.
 17. The jet cutter assembly of claim 16, wherein the sleeve is a shock-absorbing sleeve formed of a metal or metal composite.
 18. The jet cutter assembly of claim 16, wherein the detonator comprises: a detonator head formed of a non-conductive material; a shell formed of a conductive material and extending from the detonator head; a signal-in connector provided on the detonator head; and an explosive provided within the shell, wherein the explosive is positioned to detonate the radial shaped charge when the explosive is initiated by the detonator, and the shell is in electrical communication with the signal-in connector.
 19. The jet cutter assembly of claim 16, wherein the first sub is configured to be operably connected to a wireline.
 20. The jet cutter assembly of claim 16, wherein the second sub is configured to be operably connected to a perforating gun. 